Two more Haringey parks win green flags

Two Haringey parks have been awarded green flag status for the first time.

Down Lane Park, Tottenham, and Ducketts Common, Turnpike Lane, joined a list of 23 other green flag spaces, bringing the borough’s total up to 25.

The award recognises high quality outdoor spaces, with parks awarded marks according to eight criteria including horticultural standards, cleanliness, sustainability and community involvement.

Both Down Lane Park and Ducketts Common, run by Haringey Council, have received recent investment.

Ducketts Common has a popular outdoor gym, and has recently had its ball games area renewed and extended.

Down Lane Park has been given new seating and a play area, and recently unveiled brand new tennis courts jointly funded by the council and the Lawn Tennis Association.

Kirsten Wright, of Friends of Ducketts Common, said: “We are delighted and really proud that the hard work of the group, all the volunteers who generously give up their spare time to work on the planting on the common, as well as the council and park’s staff, has been recognised by being awarded a prestigious green flag.

“We look forward to everyone continuing to work together to make sure Duckett’s can retain it.”

Martin Ball, chairman of Friends of Down Lane Park, said: "This is great result for the community as it has come from the combined efforts of the council and the friends group to improve the park.

“While there is still much to be done, the green flag award is recognition of what is possible by responding positively to the ambitions of local people."

Councillor Stuart McNamara, cabinet member for environment, said the council were “absolutely delighted” with the two new flags.

He said: “We are among the best in the country when it comes to providing high quality green space to our residents.

“We haven’t finished yet and many of our parks will see even more improvements in months to come, making them even better places to visit, play and relax in.”